[Taylor Hebert]
[Species: Metahuman]
[Status: Stressed]
[Level: 1/20]
[HP: 5/13, MP: n/a]
[Atk: 1, Def: 1, Magic: 0, Agi: 2, Rank: D-]
[Special Skills:]
[Inner Strength: 2]
[Titles: None]
[Description: The protagonist of our story, whose life or death will determine if the world lives or dies when (Redacted) begins the next part of the Cycle.]
"Okay, and..." Glory Girl's voice trailed off.
[Class Selected: Builder]
"Okay, and..." repeated Glory Girl.
[Quest: So This Is My Origin Story?! Level 1]
[You have triggered as a metahuman, not a parahuman, so]
[some things are different. Though you have endured a]
[whole eighteen months of bullying that has strayed right]
[into assault, battery, attempted murder, and now being]
[Triggered by the trio of Sophia Hess, Madison Clements, and]
[your former best friend Emma Barnes, your health and future]
[remain uncertain. That you are the hero who could save this]
[world, or the villain that could doom it, is unfortunately]
[more stress on your plate.]
[Trigger Event: 1/1.]
[Choose Class: 1/1.]
[Unlock Dungeons: 0/1.]
[Unlock Party System: 1/1.]
[Choose Builder Specialty:]
[Robotic Minions (Purely Mechanical)] [Robotic Minions (Synthoid)][Spiritual Entities][Machine Spirits][Kemonomimi][Elves][Dinosaurs]
"Doesn't 'Builder' just mean 'Tinker'?" asked Panacea after Taylor had finished reading off the choices.
"Builder might simply mean something along that general flavor," rumbled Kenta. "Going with the videogame motif, there are characters in such like Cid who specialize in enhancing materials with runes or such."
"Such as with Tolkien's elves who enchant objects such as swords to have special properties," speculated Dragon.
"Exactly," agreed Kenta. "From a purely technological standpoint, you're probably looking at the first two only. There is something else to consider on this as well."
"What?" asked Glory Girl.
"Taylor Hebert is listed as a metahuman, not a parahuman," said Kenta. "So there's the possibility of replicable technology if one of those two choices are taken."
"Or it is possible that it will remain Tinker-like in that there is still some aspect which cannot be mass-produced," pointed out Armsmaster. "We don't know and there's no 'More Info' function."
"What's a 'synthoid'?" asked Panacea.
"A common trope within science fiction is the advent of artificial tissue that mimics the appearance and function of living tissue," explained Dragon. "Primarily introduced due to limitations of special and practical effects in TV and movies I believe. Much easier to use a human actor who has a couple of prosthetic pieces or makeup than to build a remote unit that is clearly nonhuman in design."
"That one," said Glory Girl.
"Huh? Why?" asked Taylor.
"Because if you're building synthetic robots that means you can still have elves and dinosaurs or elves riding dinosaurs or whatever a 'comeonameemee' is," said Glory Girl.
"That is a point," said Armsmaster. "Dragon, your ETA?"
"I'm still about a half-hour out before I'm physically at your location," said Dragon through his suit's external speakers.
"Try going back through to class choices again," suggested Kenta, looking at the ceiling and frowning.
"I did. Cool. Okay, I wasn't too sure about that anyway," said Taylor.
"Anything particularly draw you at this point?" asked Panacea.
"I'm leaning towards 'White Mage' at this point," said Taylor. "Being able to heal people sounds kind of nice actually."
"In that case," rumbled Kenta. "See if you can pull up details on Summoner."
"Oh? That's another one with categories under it. Classic Summoner (FF), Heroic Spirits, Spirit Binder, Alternate Selves, Legendary Weapons, and Monster Master." Taylor looked a bit uncertain about that last one.
"If the Classic Summoner is what I think it is," rumbled Kenta again. "It includes some healing abilities as well as the possibility you'll be able to summon powerful forces. Eventually. I think everything has that whole 'gradually level up' aspect if your powers scale the way I think they will."
There was silence for a bit as everyone pondered that.
"I guess that's a point," said Taylor as she clicked the selection.
A trumpet fanfare sounded.
"Highlander? Like the movie?" muttered Taylor as she manipulated something the others couldn't see. "Oh, this is like some cape simulator game or something? Then... tall is good. My own size. Maybe a bit taller. Yeah. I can have muscle tone? Yes, please. Bust size? Seriously. Well, since it's my cape identity, I guess it wouldn't hurt... Hair style. Hmmm. Actually I like my hair. Why is the default green?"
"Taylor? What are you doing?" asked Panacea.
"Choosing how I look in my cape identity, too bad this is just that, there's a few things I'd like to change in real life," muttered a completely distracted Taylor.
"Everyone does," grumped Panacea.
"Oh, my mother's eyes were like that. Oh, I can make the color like that? Huh, looks good but kind of eerie."
"Are you sure that this is just your cape identity?" asked Dragon.
"Arcanist level 1, start?" asked Taylor. "Yeah, let's go with that. Accept." Another fanfare. "WHAT THE HELL?!"
"So it was both identities," said Dragon.
"A warning text box would have been nice!" grumped Taylor to the ceiling.
"At least it came with clothing, you've got to be close or at six feet," noted Glory Girl.
"And you've got green hair and eyes, very striking looking," noted Panacea, with a curious note to her voice.
"What spells do you have?" asked Kenta, ignoring the scoffing noise from Armsmaster.
"Ruin, which does unaspected damage," said Taylor. "I can summon Carbuncle?" She made a gesture and a fox/rabbit glowing blue appeared.
"You get a pokemon?" asked Glory Girl. "At least it's a cute one."
"Yeah... If I had known it was a permanent thing, I wouldn't have pushed that slider like that," noted Taylor as she checked something. Though there was the triumphant thought that none of the Trio would be talking about how flat she was at least.
"I have to get back to patients," said Panacea.
"Maybe you should take some time off, you're awfully red," noted Glory Girl.
"It... It's nothing," stated Panacea as she exited in a hurry.
[Level 1 - Level 2]
[hp: 13 - hp: 18]
[Choose Brockton Bay General as Home? Y/N]
[Attune to Brockton Bay General as teleport point? Y/N]
"I don't understand this. What's it mean 'Home' and 'Teleport Point'?" asked Taylor.
"So it's like a game in that respect," mused Kenta. "Home would be an automatic return point. Selecting it as a teleport point means that you could choose to teleport to this area whenever you choose. It would also be called a 'fast travel' area."
Silence as Armsmaster and Dragon stared at Kenta.
"That sounds handy," said Taylor, hitting N for the first and Y for the second.
"You have... depths I did not suspect," admitted Armsmaster finally.
"You say that like it would be difficult," grumbled Kenta.
"I..." began Taylor.
[FATE Alert!]
[Brockton Bay General is about to be attacked by]
[Verminious Snid! Do you Heed The Call to Heroism,]
[Join In The Attack, or Stay Safe in your room?]
[Reputation Gains or Losses depending on path]
[chosen. Rewards:]
[Defend: $200 and Garlond Glasses.]
[Attack: Drugs and Medical Supplies.]
[Stay Safe: No Reward.]
"Hero," stated Taylor as screams began from nearby. "Who is with me?"
"What kind of cape name is 'Verminious Snid'?" asked Armsmaster.
"Less talky, more fighty," grumbled Kenta, though he was grinning as he followed Taylor.
"Seriously, what kind of name is..." stated Armsmaster as he followed everyone else to the main ER. "What the frakking blue blazes?"
There was a cape all right. A woman in leather. Black leather. With zippers. That came with its own restraint rings and a whip.
Growling and snapping at the patients and doctor were three giant two tailed rats whose mouths were dribbling green goo.
Music began playing.
"Final Fantasy battle music? Nice touch." said Kenta. "Oh. In order to participate in this fight, I need to use a different class? But then I'd get to hit them? Done."
"Me as well," said Dragon, her armor shifting to what seemed a simpler configuration.
"In for a penny," said Glory Girl.
"Gff mf dmff!" mumbled the leather-clad woman.
"What?" asked Taylor, several members of hospital staff, and Glory Girl.
"If you're going to wear a gimp suit, you might consider unzipping your mouth before making demands," suggested Kenta.
"Mff? Uhr," said Verminious Snid, unzipping part of her mask/hood. "Oh. Much easier to breathe. Okay. GIVE ME ALL YOUR DRUGS OR ELSE! FACE THE WRATH OF VERMINIOUS SNID!"
"What's a Snid?" asked Glory Girl.
"Sexy Narcotics Imbibing Dominatrix!" said Snid.
"You're wearing the wrong suit for that," pointed out Kenta. "Not nearly enough spikes or studs. The rings are for bindings, so not the image you're going for. The whip is fine though."
"I am? Damn. Well, now I need cash too, so all of you put your wallets in the bag!" declared Snid, cracking her whip.
"what bag?" asked Glory Girl, more confused than ever.
"This... who stole my bag?!" Snid stamped one of her spike-heeled feet. "Damn it. I really hate this city sometimes!"
One of the giant rats growled something.
"That's right! Kill them, my pets!" declared Snid as she cracked her whip.
The rats charged, one going after Kenta, the others choosing Glory Girl and Taylor.
"Carbunkle, Tackle!" commanded Taylor.
* Uber & L33t's Secret HQ *
"Whoa," said Uber.
"That Kenta guy just picked up a giant rat and broke it over his knee," said L33t. "Damn, guy's savage."
"Oh, Dragon has Rocket Punch! And judging from her reaction didn't know what it did."
"They've even got battle music!" L33t checked an app on his cellphone just to make sure. "Yup. Final Fantasy IV Battle Theme."
"So that's Rydia," said Uber. "From the look - early 20s?"
"Got to be, and damn," said L33t.
"Yeah, if legs can be a parahuman power," said Uber. "Though something's kind of off..."
"There's at least three people in the lobby using their phones to stream a cape battle," noted L33t. "People in this city."
"Okay, why is Armsmaster trying to stab a giant rat with his halberd and... he didn't level-sync did he?" asked Uber.
"Amateur, you can't damage encounter monsters without that," said Uber, shaking his head. "So... we ask Rydia if we can party with her sometime? Seriously, she's got random encounters!"
"Yeah, but you're right. There's something not quite right about her..." L33t's voice trailed off.
* Kenta *
"You haven't heard the last of me!" threatened Verminious Snid as she ran away.
The fight was short but sweet, even though he'd felt weakened from this 'Level Sync' BS it had been nice to cut loose.
[Kenta - Escalation Shard - Level 32 - Barbarian - Level 1]
[Gained a Level: Barbarian Level 1 - Barbarian Level 2]
[Gained a Level: Barbarian Level 2 - Barbarian Level 3]
[+19hp]
[Choose Barbarian Subclass: Ancestral Guardian, Battlerager, Beast, Berserker, Storm Herald, Totem Warrior, Zealot, Wild Magic.]
"I'll choose later," declared Kenta aloud.
[Gained $50. Reputation as Kenta with Brockton Bay General +50. Reputation: Tolerated.]
[Loot dropped: Tetsubo.]
"Oh, come here my pretty," said Kenta, scooping up the heavy iron club. "Don't you look intimidating as hell?"
* Dragon *
"This is all highly illogical," stated Dragon aloud.
[Dragon - Tinker (Freewheel Shard) - Level 26 - Techknight Level 1]
[Gained a Level: Techknight Level 1 - Techknight Level 2]
[Gained a Level: Techknight Level 2 - Techknight Level 3]
[+15hp]
"Status," stated Dragon, checking an idea. After all, if Taylor had videogame powers, then...
[Name Dragon. Race: Sapient Artificial Intelligence]
[Tinker (Freewheel Shard) Level 26]
[Techknight Level 3]
[Title: Defender of Humanity]
[Combat Techniques: Far Shot, Steady Hand]
[Combat Options: Rocket Punch, Rifle Shot, Taser Bolt]
[Item: Bulwark Shield]
"Interesting," mused Dragon.
* Taylor *
[Gained Reputation with Brockton Bay General Hospital +100. Reputation: Known Ally.]
[Summoner Level 2 - Level 3]
[Reward: $200]
[Reward: Garlond Glasses.]
Curious, Taylor inspected the glasses and read the popup text box.
[Garlond Glasses. +1 Def. Protects against flash effects. +30% Experience to Level 10]
[Cool and Stylish, these glasses offer some value as a mask as well.]
"Oh?" asked Taylor as she put the sunglasses on. Oddly enough, they didn't seem to dim the lights or anything. At which point she realized she hadn't been wearing glasses since she had accepted the new look. "Wait, what?"
[Now able to cast Physic (Healing Spell).]
[Gained Book of Dreams]
[Basic Book with diagrams and Escherian geometries useful in channeling the forces you use]
[in your spellcraft and summonings.]
[Learning New Summons - Ifrit will be available at Level 5.]
[Ability to Dual-Class available at Level 10.]
"I have to dismiss Carbuncle to summon Ifrit? What can Ifrit do?"
Kenta huffed. "Do NOT summon Ifrit in a hospital. That could be bad."
Dragon made an odd noise. "Seconded. I just downloaded images. That would be bad. Stick with Carbuncle, who is much more PR-friendly."
"What's going on around here?" demanded a thin but tall man as he rushed in. "Taylor?"
"Dad! Uhm. This is complicated," said Taylor.
* Cauldron *
Doctor Mother waited until the two available had connected before speaking, and checked to make sure the software that would generate a transcript was active. "I apologize for the late hour, but I wanted to address this as soon as valid information was available. Alexandria will receive a transcript when she is available. So... earlier today there was an anomalous text box."
"That 'Taylor's Party' thing," said Legend.
"Yes," agreed Doctor Mother. "A new Master triggered in Brockton Bay. Taylor Hebert, tentative cape name Rydia. Preliminary reports indicate no Corona Pollentia and that she is a metahuman and not a parahuman."
"What's a 'metahuman'?" asked Eidolon.
"Apparently it is a classification of empowered human that did not exist, until today," said Doctor Mother. "In any case, Miss Hebert was subjected to an extended period of bullying and harassment until an attempt at murdering her during lunch by throwing her off a roof directly onto a series of concrete planters at Winslow High School. Further investigations are continuing but it appears that one of Brockton Bay's Wards was directly involved."
"Ouch," said Legend.
"Indeed," said Doctor Mother. "To the point - apparently Miss Hebert's true power is a form of involuntary reality warping in the manner you experienced earlier. This process can be accessed by others interacting with Miss Hebert and was accidently initiated by the paramedic taking her to the hospital."
"I see," said Eidolon. "So, this 'reality warping' doesn't involve passengers and might be something of use to us?"
"Simply that it bypasses the Entities alone indicates that much," agreed Doctor Mother. "As I indicated - this is all very preliminary and I will do a more in-depth analysis when we have more data. I find the idea that there are other Things out there besides the Entities we know of quite intriguing."
"You said 'Master' earlier," brought up Legend. "Human Mastery?"
Doctor Mother shook her head once. That WAS the usual fear, justified after individuals like Heartbreaker. "A Projection of some sort. In addition she has some Trump and Shaker ratings due to the reality warping."
* Friday, December 10 2011 *
[You have rested in your bed. HP/MP not fully restored due to status conditions.]
[Status: Stressed, Agitated.]
[Current Quests: So This Is My Origin Story (level 1), Finding Your Path (level 1), It's All About The Base (level 1)]
[Achievements Available: 3]
"Ugh. Too early," grumbled Taylor.
[Finding Your Path (level 1 Quest)]
[You have begun your hero journey, taking the first steps on your development. As RYDIA, you still need to ally yourself with others due to the being only slightly better than the average human in the squishiness category.]
[Your current choices are: the Guild (Canada), the Wards (USA PRT), and New Wave (Hero Affiliate) Or you could go Independent.]
"Can I have a get breakfast quest?" asked Taylor.
Nothing answered.
"How about how to open the dungeons so I can get that out of the way?" asked Taylor, not expecting an answer.
[Quest: All About The Base (Level 1)]
[While an Arcanist/Summoner doesn't precisely need a Base of]
[Operations, you nonetheless can claim one. IF you can defeat]
[the monsters which have infested it. Who knows, there might]
[even be some loot for you and your Party to acquire.]
[Minimum level: 4. Party of 4+ Required.]
[Reward: $2000. Basic Lair.]
Taylor went downstairs, thinking about it. She wasn't sure she wanted Kenta near her superhero lair, there was something familiar about him she couldn't put her finger quite on.
[6xp + 30% = 9xp]
[Cooking Skill used.]
[Fried Eggs & Toast.]
Taylor blinked as she'd just gone on automatic while making a quick breakfast.
[Fried Eggs & Toast. As basic a breakfast as it gets. Just one level above]
[Pop-Tarts honestly. +3% XP for one hour. +2 to Skill Speed/+2 to Saving]
[Throws Vs Paralysis.]
"Wait. I get experience for cooking?" asked Taylor. "This is the weirdest power I've ever heard of."
The only answer was her father coming down the stairs. "Taylor? Who were you talking to?"
"Just coming to terms with a weird power," said Taylor. "I think I'll join the Guild. Dragon made it sound really cool."
"I think you'd be safer in the Wards," said Danny.
"You didn't hear them talking. I wouldn't get to DO anything in the Wards," countered Taylor.
"Like I said, you'd be safer in the Wards," counter-countered Danny Hebert.
"So you want everyone to die in two years?" asked Taylor.
Danny blinked. "What?"
"Form Party," said Taylor aloud. "Invite Danny Hebert."
Danny Hebert's eyes crossed slightly as he regarded the blue box of text which had just appeared before him. "Okay..."
As soon as he clicked it, Taylor continued. "Share Quest 'So This Is My Origin Story' with all Party."
[Glory Girl: I forgot to disband from the Party yesterday. Sorry. Wait. What?!]
[Panacea: It is much too early for this. How do I un-party.]
[Panacea has left the Party.]
[Dragon: I'll be there in five minutes. Miss Militia will take slightly longer.]
"Dragon, you forgot to exit the party?" asked Taylor.
[Dragon: No, I deliberately did not leave the party because I wanted to keep you safe.]
[Glory Girl: I have to go to school today anyway. After school and homework though,]
[Glory Girl: can we do that dungeon? It sounded cool.]
"Dungeon?" asked Danny Hebert.
"I guess..." trailed off Taylor.
[Glory Girl: Cool. Drop me a text when you're ready.]
[Glory Girl has left the Party.]
"Dungeon?" repeated Danny Hebert.
"I don't have a cellphone, how am I supposed to text her?" asked Taylor. "Hmmm. Waitaminute."
[Danny Fransisci Hebert. Union Boss - Level 14]
[Classes Available: Barbarian, Cleric (Community), Warlock]
"Warlock?" asked Danny Hebert.
[Checking for Patrons.]
[Patron found: Mary Poppins. (Archfey)]
[Patron found: Chernobog. (Fiend)]
[Patron found: Uk'utoa. (Fathomless)]
[Patron found: Emeer Naasira. (Genie)]
[Patron found: Bob. (Great Old One)]
[Patron found: Ophaniel. (Celestial)]
"That's weird," said Danny.
"Sounds like Dragon," said Taylor, moving towards the door.
"Have you seen my dog?" asked Mister Phelps from across the street.
"Uhm, no?" Dragon was saying.
"He's got a Quest marker?" asked Taylor.
"Your power is frightening at times, just so you know," Dragon told Taylor.
"Taylor? Why is your hair green?" asked Mister Phelps.
"Long story, Mister Phelps. I'll help look," said Taylor, accepting the Quest [Barney Come Home].
Dragon stared at Mister Phelps as he made his way down the street. "Military?"
"No, I'm told the leg injury was from an exploding tape recorder," said Taylor. "Barney was apparently named for an old work colleague of his. Anyway, we can find his dog... I do have to wonder about the reward though."
[Quest: Barney Come Home!]
[Jim Phelps let his dog Barney out back this morning]
[but Barney is missing! Find/rescue his dog and return]
[Barney to his home.]
[Reward: +50 Reputation with Mister Phelps]
[Use of Mister Phelps for Quests.]
[Use of Mister Phelps to buy specialized equipment.]
"That IS rather curious," admitted Dragon.
Miss Militia's motorcycle came driving up, but two people got off.
"Miss Militia, this is fortunate, Rydia already has a Quest going," said Dragon.
"Excellent," said Miss Militia. "Rydia, we wanted the chance to test out some of your abilities. This is Trooper Anderson."
"Rydia," acknowledged the Trooper.
"Trooper Anderson is not a parahuman and we may be able to gain some useful information about your Trump ability if you can try to include her in your Party," explained Miss Militia.
"Huh," said Taylor, curious. "Invite Trooper Anderson and Miss Militia to Party."
[Miss Militia, Armature Shard, Level 31]
[Trooper Ciara "Aire" Anderson, Spec Ops 11]
"Huh, that's a thing," said Ciara. "Attributes?"
[Ciara Anderson, Trooper PRT, Race: Human]
[Spec Ops 11, Army 11]
[Str: 13, Dex: 13, Con:12, Int:14, Wis: 12, Cha: 15. hp: 74]
[Feats: Combat Driver, Gunner]
"You volunteered for this?" asked Taylor.
"Yes'm," said Anderson.
"Well, let's go. I mean, it's only a first..." Taylor blinked. "Wait. This Quest didn't have a level listed."
"Uh oh," said Miss Militia.
* Arcadia High School *
It wasn't until lunchtime that they could check their phones for messages from home or news or weather or any number of other updates.
"What the hell?!" yelped Dennis at his table. "Did you see this?"
Victoria Dallon didn't quite run over to the table. She certainly didn't fly as there were enough teachers paying attention at this point. No, she just walked fast and it was because her on-off boyfriend Dean was over there. That's all.
Well, that and she had a feeling that the new cape was probably involved in whatever was going on.
"This video on PHO," began Dennis.
"It's probably fake," grumped Amy Dallon.
"Look for yourself," said Dennis, showing her the screen.
"Huh," said Amy after a few seconds. "That sure looks like Miss Militia using an anti-tank rifle to shoot at some tentacle creature from the sewers."
"Wait. That's ULTROS," said Dennis. "Wait. Why did that come out in all caps?"
"How did I know that was all in caps?" asked Dean.
"Why is he attacking a bunch of girls... No, that's Ultros, he's probably being pervy," said Dennis.
"A pervy octopus?" asked Victoria.
"Ewww," summed up Amy.
"Is that Hookwolf trying to carve up the giant purple octopus?" asked Carlos.
"Yeah, ooooh. Goal! Hookwolf just got yeeted into the Bay. Think he knows how to swim?" asked Dennis. "For the moment at least, giant pervy purple octopi maybe aren't all bad?"
"Yeah, they're all bad," said Victoria. "Dang it. They get to fight giant monsters and I'm stuck with a geography test next class."
"Wait, you know that girl? Do you know why she's dressed like Rydia from Final Fantasy IV?" asked Dennis.
"Because that's her power set, she has videogame powers and hers is based on... What. Is. That?"
"Ifrit," said Dennis, looking with wide eyes at his own phone. "Oh my gosh. She summoned Ifrit."
* Taylor *
Having a purple tentacle flip up her skirt had been the final straw.
"IFRIT! Lord of the Plane of Fire! I summon thee!"
"Wait? What?" asked Ultros as he tried to grab the two others who kept hitting him with little metal pellets. Sure, his rubbery flesh tended to resist such things but they still hurt.
A fifteen foot tall demonic-looking being cracked the Earth, climbed out, then pounced on Ultros.
Ultros screamed. "BAD TOUCHIE! YOU NO TOUCHIE!"
Ifrit chuckled and bit into a tentacle.
Ultros ejected a large stream of ink on everyone involved and fled.
"And we still haven't found..." said Rydia before she noticed the building that Hookwolf had come out of. Particularly noticing there was a lot of barking coming out of there. "Oh."
"Well, let's see if we can find 'Barney' shall we?" asked Trooper Anderson as she strode forward.
* PRT ENE HQ *
"So?" asked Emily Piggot.
"Confirmed," said Miss Militia. "She has no control over her Shaker effect. She has no human Mastery. Her powers grow with use."
"Yes, I saw the video of a fire demon that she summoned. That turned into a literally flaming motorcycle that left burning tire tracks behind it." Piggot shook her head at the memory of the video.
"Yes, it was quite... impressive," said Miss Militia. "Also that new skills and abilities can be acquired by those she forms a Party with."
"Trooper Anderson?" asked Director Piggot.
"Three levels of 'Ranger' while we tracked down a stolen dog, she claimed one of the dogs as a companion. Except it wasn't a dog."
Director Piggot took the picture, glanced at it, stared, and made a noise in her throat.
"Yeah. It's a dragon. She's what they call a 'drakewarden' Ranger. Apparently the dragon is some sort of projection of hers. It can be hurt or killed, but then she can eventually resummon it." Miss Militia watched the Director carefully.
"And you?" asked Director Piggot eventually.
"Also Ranger. Gloom Stalker, which is a stealth and ambush specialist," Miss Militia made a dismissive gesture. "Not sure how much use I'll get out of it."
Director Piggot sat back in her chair, wincing at a sudden pulse of pain. "Find the next one up for volunteers. I'll want at least two more vetted thoroughly sent along to help Rydia. When I fill out the report for the Chief Director I want to have three examples and a report on how best we can use this to our advantage. Thank goodness she's Guild."
"Director?" asked Miss Militia.
"If she had joined the Wards she'd be on console duty and forbidden from doing anything dangerous with the Youth Guard sticking their noses in at every chance. Instead we have a chance to get an edge on some of the villains." Director Piggot cocked her head at the picture of Trooper Anderson. "If we can have seasoned, trained, experienced soldiers who are on par with parahumans? So much could have been changed over the years."
* Taylor *
"Okay, everyone ready?" asked Taylor.
[Dungeon: DWU Lair. Minimum Level: 1. No special conditions.]
[Note that parahuman abilities will be inaccessible in the extradimensional space.]
[Metahuman and class abilities will function as normal.]
[Current Party: (minimum 4)]
[Rydia, Level 8 Summoner]
[Dragon, Level 6 Techknight]
[Danny, Level 1 Warlock]
[Kenta, Level 3 Barbarian]
There was a quick set of acknowledgements and the four took a step forward through the double doors into a room that shouldn't have fit where it was located.
Two large humanoids flanked an inner door, horned humanoids carrying large iron clubs and wearing tiger skins. They raised their clubs and settled into ready stances.
Music began to play.
* Stats *
[Taylor Hebert, Cape Name: Rydia]
[Strength: 13, Dexterity: 14, Constitution: 13, Intelligence: 16, Wisdom: 8, Charisma: 14]
[Level:Summoner 8]
[Team: Guild, Sponsor: Dragon]
[Summons: Carbuncle, Ifrit]
(Choices for voting this chapter: Danny's Warlock Patron, Taylor's Second Class (if any it would be on level 10 since I'm using a mix of FFXIV and FFIV for her Rydia impression), Kenta's Barbarian subclass, Glory Girl's class (I'm leaning towards Sorcerer or Paladin). If enough people want them, I'll include stats for the other party members. Techknight and some other classes come from the Anime 5e supplement for D&D.
Verminious Snid, Parahuman, Master/Trump (Rats), Affiliation: Merchants (non-canon antagonist added by Gamer power Entity.)
Verminious (real name Carol Dalton) had a trigger event where Carol Dallon discovered some of her mail was being misdelivered and checks were being cashed by Dalton. Dallon tracked Dalton down and brought the law and threat of lawsuits down on Dalton, whose OnlyFans account got shut down as a result. Swiftly homeless she triggered and was recruited by the Merchants where she hopes to make enough money to get out and set up somewhere else. Unless she has a chance to avenge herself on Carol Dallon whom she blames for her fall.